System for mounting underhood components to a motor vehicle body

ABSTRACT

An underhood mounting system for mounting a plurality of underhood components to a motor vehicle body includes an integrally formed receiver member defining a plurality of dedicated locations for receiving a corresponding plurality of underhood components. The receiver member is attached to the body of the vehicle. A first dedicated location of the plurality of dedicated locations defines a portion of an air box chamber. A remainder of air box chamber is defined by an air box upper element removably attached to the first dedicated location. A second dedicated location of the plurality of dedicated locations defines a portion of a battery chamber. A remainder of the battery chamber is defined by a battery cover removably attached to the second dedicated location. A third dedicated location of the plurality of dedicated locations defines a degas bracket for removably receiving a degas bottle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to a provisional patent application which has been assigned U.S. Serial No. 60/318,384, filed Sep. 10, 2001.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention generally pertains to motor vehicles. More particular, the present invention pertains to an apparatus for mounting one or more underhood components to a motor vehicle body and a related method. More specifically, but without restriction to the particular embodiment and/or use which is shown and described herein for purposes of illustration, the present invention relates to a system including multiple brackets or receivers for mounting a plurality of underhood components to a motor vehicle body and a related method. In certain applications, the brackets are operative for receiving the underhood components in a snap-fit arrangement.

[0003] In automotive applications, it is imperative that fluids and electrical power are reliably provided to an engine and other moving parts of a vehicle to ensure that the operation of the vehicle is enabled and maintained. Further, it is desirable that a vehicle underhood system be capable of accommodating varying requirements, such as component packaging and the like. It is desirable that underhood component packaging be efficient to install and aesthetically pleasing. For these and other competing reasons, the packaging of underhood component of a vehicle plays a significant role in vehicle design.

[0004] Supplying the various fluids and power to the components of a vehicle is crucial in its design, operation and maintenance. For example, it is highly desirable to provide a vehicle with an uncluttered and otherwise pleasing appearance. The underhood systems must also be efficiently assembled and provide the necessary maintenance access to the various components.

[0005] Typically, the various components of a vehicle for fluid and electrical power delivery are individually mounted at varying locations within the engine compartment. In this manner, the aforementioned components are scattered throughout the engine compartment and require multiple fasteners and varying assembly locations.

[0006] Accordingly, a continued need for improvement in the pertinent art exists.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In one form, the present invention provides an underhood mounting system for mounting a plurality of underhood components to a motor vehicle body. The underhood mounting system includes an integrally formed receiver member defining a plurality of dedicated locations for receiving a corresponding plurality of underhood components. The receiver member is attached to the body of the vehicle. A first dedicated location of the plurality of dedicated locations defines a portion of an air box chamber. A remainder of air box chamber is defined by an air box upper element removably attached to the first dedicated location. A second dedicated location of the plurality of dedicated locations defines a portion of a battery chamber. A remainder of the battery chamber is defined by a battery cover removably attached to the second dedicated location. A third dedicated location of the plurality of dedicated locations defines a degas bracket for removably receiving a degas bottle.

[0008] In another form, the present invention provides an underhood mounting system for mounting a plurality of underhood components to a motor vehicle body that similarly provides an integrally formed receiver member defining a plurality of dedicated locations for receiving a corresponding plurality of underhood components. The underhood system further includes an integrally formed cover removably secured to the receiver member and cooperating with the receiver member to define a chamber for each of the plurality of underhood components. In this form, a first dedicated location of the plurality of dedicated locations defines a battery tray for supporting a battery. The battery tray cooperates with a battery portion of the cover to define a battery chamber. The second dedicated location of the plurality of dedicated locations defines a fuse block lower element which cooperates with a fuse block upper portion of the cover to define a fuse block chamber for receiving a fuse block. A third dedicated location of the plurality of dedicated locations defines ECU bracketry for receiving an ECU module.

[0009] In yet another form, the receiver member similarly defines a plurality of dedicated locations for receiving a corresponding plurality of underhood components. Again, the receiver member is attached to the body of the vehicle. The first dedicated portion includes a generally circular rim configured to circumscribe and support a generally circular portion of a first fluid bottle. The second dedicated portion of the receiver member includes a generally circular rim configured to circumscribe and support a generally circular portion of a second fluid bottle. A third dedicated portion of the receiver member defines a generally rectangular tray for receiving a third underhood component.

[0010] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0012]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for mounting a plurality of underhood components to the body of a motor vehicle constructed in accordance with the teachings of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus shown operatively associated with the plurality of components.

[0013]FIG. 2 is a side view of the apparatus for mounting a plurality of underhood components according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention shown operatively associated with the plurality of underhood components and also shown attached to a body of the motor vehicle.

[0014]FIG. 3 is a partially exploded and perspective view of the apparatus of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention and the plurality of components as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0015]FIG. 4 is a side view of an apparatus for mounting a plurality of underhood components to the body of a motor vehicle constructed in accordance with the teachings of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus shown operatively attached to a body of a motor vehicle.

[0016]FIG. 5 is a top view of the apparatus for mounting a plurality of underhood components according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention shown operatively associated with the plurality of underhood components and also shown attached to a body of the motor vehicle.

[0017]FIG. 6 is an environmental perspective view of a system for mounting a plurality of underhood components to the body of a motor vehicle constructed in accordance with the teachings of a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus shown operatively attached to a body of a motor vehicle.

[0018]FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view further illustrating the components of the underhood system according to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

[0020] With initial reference to FIGS. 1-3, an apparatus constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is shown and generally identified at reference number 10. The apparatus 10 is shown operatively associated with a plurality of underhood components 12 and attached to the body 14 of a motor vehicle. It will become clear to those skilled in the art that the embodiments shown throughout the drawings are merely exemplary applications of the teachings of the present invention. In this regard, the particular constructions and uses shown throughout the drawings will be understood to be illustrative of particular forms of the subject invention and that the subject invention is not so limited.

[0021] In the embodiment illustrated, the apparatus is a unitarily formed bracket or receiver member 10. The bracket 10 may be unitarily injection molded of plastic or alternatively constructed of other suitable materials. The bracket 10 is shown retaining underhood components in the form of a radiator degas reservoir 12A, a power steering fluid reservoir 12B and speed control module 12C.

[0022] The bracket 10 includes a first portion 16 for receiving the radiator degas reservoir 12A. The first dedicated portion 16 includes a rim 18 for matingly receiving a lower portion of the radiator degas reservoir 12A. The rim 18 is generally circular in shape and functions to circumscribe and support the radiator degas reservoir 12A. The rim 18 includes a cut-out or opening 20 to accommodate a hose 22 during installation of the radiator degas reservoir 12A into the first dedicated portion 16. An upper edge of the rim 18 abuts a radially extending flange 24 of the radiator degas reservoir 12A.

[0023] The first dedicated portion 16 further includes a lower member 26 which connects radially opposed sides of the rim 18 and engages an undersurface of the radiator degas reservoir 12A. The lower member 26 essentially includes a pair of arms 28 which are joined in the center of the opening defined by the first portion 16. At a lowermost point, the lower member 26 includes a downwardly extending locating element 30 or molded-in pin which seats in a hole (not specifically shown) provided in a fender well area of the motor vehicle. The molded-in pin 30 is preferably hollow and receives a nipple 32 carried by the radiator degas reservoir 12A. This cooperative relationship between the nipple 32 and the pin 30 stabilizes the radiator degas reservoir 12A relative to the bracket 10.

[0024] The bracket 10 is further shown to include a second dedicated portion 36 for receiving the power steering fluid reservoir 12B. Similar to the first dedicated portion 16, the second dedicated portion 36 includes a circular rim 38. The rim 38 matingly receives the cylindrical housing of the power steering fluid reservoir 12B. Again, the rim 38 includes a cut-out portion or opening 40 for accommodating a hose 42 of the power steering fluid reservoir.

[0025] The bracket 10 further includes a third dedicated portion 46 which receives the speed control for module 12C. The third dedicated portion 46 defines a generally rectangular tray for receiving speed control module 12C.

[0026] The bracket 10 includes one or more mounting portions 48 for attaching the bracket 10 to the body 14 of the motor vehicle. As perhaps most particularly shown in FIG. 3, the mounting portion 48 includes a flange 50 which defines apertures (not particularly shown). The apertures receive fasteners 52 which secure the bracket 10 to the body 14 in a conventional manner.

[0027] In use, the bracket 10 is mounted directly to the body 14 of the vehicle. As the vehicle moves down the final assembly line, the underhood components and options assigned to each specific vehicle being built are “plugged”, snapped or inserted into the appropriate slot or position defined by the bracket 10. Explaining further, the bracket 10 has provisions for securing all possible combinations of components normally installed in a particular dedicated bracket position. At or near the end of the final assembly line, positive safety retainers, fasteners, and/or decorative security covers are installed, thereby eliminating individually fastened components and saving associated component and assembly costs.

[0028] Turning now to FIGS. 4 and 5, an apparatus for mounting a plurality of underhood components to a body of a motor vehicle constructed in accordance with the teachings of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated and generally identified at reference numeral 100. Similar to the first preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the second preferred embodiment comprises a bracket or receiver member 100 for receiving a plurality of underhood components 102.

[0029] In the embodiment illustrated, the bracket 100 differs from the first preferred embodiment in that the bracket 100, itself, defines a cavity for storing a fluid. Explaining further, the bracket 100 is hollow and functions as a washer fluid reservoir. The washer fluid reservoir 100 defines a first opening 104 for receiving a radiator degas reservoir 102A and a second opening 106 for receiving a power steering fluid reservoir 102B. The cavity of the washer fluid reservoir 100 effectively circumscribes the radiator degas reservoir 102A and the power steering fluid reservoir 106. Openings 108 and 110 are provided in the washer fluid reservoir 100 for accommodating hoses associated with the radiator degas reservoir 102A and the power steering fluid reservoir 102B, respectively. A lower portion of the washer fluid reservoir defines a molded in pin 112 which is received into a matingly shaped opening 114 for locating and stabilizing the washer fluid reservoir 100 substantially in a manner discussed above with respect to the first preferred embodiment. The washer fluid reservoir 100 is further secured to the body 14 of the vehicle through integrally formed mounting flanges 120 and conventional fasteners 122. In a manner similar to that discussed above with respect to the first preferred embodiment, the washer fluid reservoir or bracket 100 includes a tray-like portion 124 for receiving a speed control module 102C.

[0030] With reference now to FIGS. 6 and 7, a system for mounting a plurality of underhood components to the body of a motor vehicle constructed in accordance with the teachings of a third preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated and generally identified at reference number 200. The system 200 is shown in the environmental view of FIG. 6 mounted within an exemplary vehicle 202. It will be understood that the particular vehicle 202 shown is but an illustratious example of an application of the teachings of the third preferred embodiment of the system 200 of the third preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this particular application, the vehicle 202 is a diesel fuel powered vehicle. After reading the remainder of this detailed description, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various teachings of the present invention are equally applicable to alternately powered vehicles.

[0031] The system 200 is illustrated to generally include a right hand portion 204 and left hand portion 206. In a manner to be discussed more fully below, the right hand portion 204 is mounted within the underhood component 208 of the vehicle 202 and to the body 210 proximate a right hand side of the vehicle 202. Similarly, the left hand portion 206 of the system 200 is mounted within the underhood component 208 and to the body 210 proximate the left hand side of the vehicle 202.

[0032] The left hand portion 204 includes a mounting, member or receiver member 212. The receiver portion 212 is preferably constructed of an injection mold plastic, but may alternatively be constructed of other materials having suitable strength and durability characteristics. The receiver member 212 is directly bolted or otherwise securely attached to the body 210 of the vehicle 202 and provides dedicated locations for multiple underhood components to thereby eliminate individual mounting brackets and associated discrete fasteners. In the embodiment illustrated, the receiver member 212 is illustrated to include an air filtration portion 214, a degas portion 216, and battery portion 218.

[0033] The air filtration portion 214 of the receiver member 212 defines an air box lower element 220 that cooperates with a separately formed, injection molded air box upper element 222 to define an air box chamber. An air filter 224 of conventional construction is received within the air box chamber. The air box upper element 222 is preferably snap-fit to the air box lower element 220. While not preferred due to an increase in discrete fasteners, the air box upper element 222, may be alternatively fastened to the air box lower element 220 with bolts, screws, or the like.

[0034] The degas portion 216 of the receiver member 212 defines bracketry for receiving a degas bottle 230. The degas bottle 230 is illustrated to include injection molded upper and lower elements 232 and 234 which cooperate to define a degas cavity. A cap 236 threadably engages the upper element 232 to provide access to the degas chamber through an aperture 238. The degas bottle 230 is preferably snap-fit to the bracketry defined by the degas portion 216 of the receiver member 212.

[0035] The battery portion 218 of the receiver member 212 defines a battery tray 240 for receiving a lower portion of a conventional battery 242 and supporting the conventional battery 242. The battery tray 240 cooperates with an injection molded cover or thermal shield 244. The thermal shield 244 preferably snaps into its dedicated location on the receiver member 212 defined by the battery tray 240.

[0036] The left hand portion 206 of the system 200 of the third embodiment of the present invention is illustrated to generally include a receiver member 250 and a cover 252. The receiver member 250 is integrally formed of an injection molded plastic or other material having suitable strength and durability characteristics. The receiver member 250 defines a plurality of dedicated locations for receiving a corresponding plurality of underhood components. In the particular embodiment illustrated, the plurality of underhood components includes a second battery 254, an ECU module 256 and a fuse block 258. It will be understood that the battery 254, ECU module 256 and fuse block 258 can be of any commercially available type.

[0037] A first dedicated location of the plurality of dedicated locations defines a battery tray 260 for supporting the battery 254. The battery tray cooperates with a battery portion or thermal shield portion of the cover 252 to define a battery chamber. A second dedicated location of the plurality of dedicated locations defines a fuse block lower element which cooperates with a fuse block upper portion of the cover 252 to define a fuse block chamber for receiving the fuse block 258. A third dedicated location of the plurality of dedicated locations defines ECU bracketry for receiving the ECU module 256.

[0038] In the preferred embodiment, the cover 252 is removably attached to the receiver member 250. In the embodiment illustrated, the cover 252 is secured to the receiver member 250 with one or more threaded fasteners 262. Alternatively, the cover 252 can be snap-fit to the receiver member 250 or otherwise suitably secured to the receiver member 250. A fuse access cover 264 provides access to the fuse block 258.

[0039] The system 200 of the third embodiment of the present invention is further shown to include a sight shield 270, a resonator 272 and throttle body inlet tube/resonator 274. The throttle body inlet tube/resonator 274 is connected to the air box upper element 222 through a mass airflow sensor 276.

[0040] While the invention has been described in the specification and illustrated in the drawings with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments illustrated by the drawings and described in the specification as the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out this invention. 

What is claimed:
 1. An underhood mounting system for mounting a plurality of underhood components to a motor vehicle body, the underhood mounting system comprising: an integrally formed receiver member defining a plurality of dedicated locations for receiving a corresponding plurality of underhood components, the receiver member for attachment to the body of the vehicle; a first dedicated location of the plurality of dedicated locations defines a portion of an air box chamber, a remainder of the air box chamber defined by an air box upper element removably attached to the first dedicated location; a second dedicated location of the plurality of dedicated locations defines a portion of a battery chamber, a remainder of the battery chamber defined by a battery cover removably attached to the second dedicated location; and a third dedicated location of the plurality of dedicated locations defines a degas bracket for removably receiving a degas bottle.
 2. The underhood mounting system for mounting a plurality of underhood components to a motor vehicle body of claim 1, wherein the receiver member is integrally formed of an injection molded plastic.
 3. An underhood mounting system for mounting a plurality of underhood components to a motor vehicle body, the underhood mounting system comprising: an integrally formed receiver member defining a plurality of dedicated locations for receiving a corresponding plurality of underhood components, the receiver member for attachment to the body of the vehicle; an integrally formed cover removably secured to the receiver member and cooperating with the receiver member to define a chamber for each of the plurality of underhood components; a first dedicated location of the plurality of dedicated locations defines a battery tray for supporting a battery, the battery tray cooperates with a battery portion of the cover to define a battery chamber; a second dedicated location of the plurality of dedicated locations defines a fuse block lower element which cooperates with a fuse block upper portion of the cover to define a fuse block chamber for receiving a fuse block; and a third dedicated location of the plurality of dedicated locations defines ECU bracketry for receiving an ECU module.
 4. The underhood mounting system for mounting a plurality of underhood components to a motor vehicle body of claim 3, wherein the receiver member is integrally formed of an injection molded plastic.
 5. The underhood mounting system for mounting a plurality of underhood components to a motor vehicle body of claim 3, wherein the cover is integrally formed of an injection molded plastic.
 6. An underhood mounting system for mounting a plurality of underhood components to a motor vehicle body, the underhood mounting system comprising: a receiver member defining a plurality of dedicated locations for receiving a corresponding plurality of underhood components, the receiver member for attachment to the body of the vehicle; the first dedicated portion includes a generally circular rim configured to circumscribe and support a generally circular portion of a first fluid module; a second dedicated portion of the receiver member includes a generally circular rim configured to circumscribe and support a generally circular portion of a second fluid module; and a third dedicated portion of the receiver member defines a generally rectangular tray for receiving a third underhood component.
 7. The underhood mounting system for mounting a plurality of underhood components to a motor vehicle body of claim 6, wherein the receiver member is integrally formed of an injection molded plastic.
 8. The underhood mounting system for mounting a plurality of underhood components to a motor vehicle body of claim 6, wherein the rim includes an opening to accommodate a hose of the fluid bottle during installation.
 9. The underhood mounting system for mounting a plurality of underhood components to a motor vehicle body of claim 6, wherein the first fluid bottle includes a radially extending flange and an upper edge of the rim abuts the radially extending flange.
 10. The underhood mounting system for mounting a plurality of underhood components to a motor vehicle body of claim 6, wherein the first dedicated portion further includes a lower member which connects radially opposed sides of the rim and engages an undersurface of the first fluid bottle.
 11. The underhood mounting system for mounting a plurality of underhood components to a motor vehicle body of claim 10, wherein the lower member includes a pair of arms joined in a center of an opening defined by the rim.
 12. The underhood mounting system for mounting a plurality of underhood components to a motor vehicle body of claim 11, wherein the lower member includes a downwardly extending locating element for engaging a locating hole provided on the body of the vehicle. 